The American pea harvest is estimated to be 747,210 tonnes this year, a far cry from the 387,780 tonnes produced during last year’s drought.  |  File photo

U.S. farmers expect bigger pea crop

Fractionation sector has increased opportunity for Canadian growers but drought rebound likely to cut into imports

There probably won’t be as much demand for Canadian peas in the United States this year due to a vastly improved crop south of the border. The USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council forecasts 747,210 tonnes of production, with the caveat that it is a little early to be making such predictions. That would be […] Read more

India has rapidly become not only self-sufficient in green pea production but has a small surplus available for export this year.  |  Reuters/Amit Dave photo

India’s import restrictions boost domestic pea production

Green pea crop estimated at 300,000 tonnes this year, up from a 15,000 tonne average before restrictions were imposed

India’s pea import restrictions have resulted in a substantial increase in domestic production of the crop. In particular, the growth in green pea production has been phenomenal, said Pritesh Nandu, partner of the Himatlal Hirji & Co., a pulse wholesaler in Navi Mumbai, India. “Green pea production in 2022 has been a bumper crop in […] Read more

Argentina’s poor white bean crop was the result of reduced acres and dismal yields caused by drought.  |  File photo

Argentine bean woes leave market in tight spot

Production is estimated at 117,000 tonnes, down 25 percent from last year’s levels, and old crop carry-in is minimal

A major exporter’s short crop will leave white bean markets scrambling this year. Argentina has an estimated 114,000 tonnes of Alubia beans available for export in 2022-23, the lowest volume since 2013-14. This year’s exports will be about half of the record 220,000 tonnes shipped last year, according to a panelist speaking at the recent […] Read more


Current weaker canola prices should not be surprising, given that this year’s crop is much improved and harvest is in full swing, which is usually when prices are under pressure.  |  Mike Raine photo

Market assesses comfort level of world’s oilseed supply

Canola futures prices are bouncing around as forecasters try to determine the size of oilseed production here, in the United States and elsewhere. The U.S. Department of Agriculture monthly supply and demand report Sept. 12 called into question what had been an impression that global oilseed supply would be more comfortable this year. The report […] Read more

The Queen had many direct connections with western Canadian farmers, especially in the horse-breeding and riding communities, and I’m chatting with some about their experiences for an upcoming story. | Screencap via rct.uk

Queen symbolized a stability that helps Canada succeed

Seeing the centuries-old machinery of ritual whir into gear upon the death of Queen Elizabeth and the accession of King Charles is an awesome, perplexing, soothing or enraging sight, depending upon your outlook. As a supporter of evolutionary development and stability, as well as a person who sees great riches in our heritage, I’m one […] Read more


If they accept the deal, workers whose pay had been frozen will win double-digit increases and will be allowed to seek certain types of medical care without fear of being punished, union leaders said. The agreement includes an immediate 14.1 percent wage rise, the railroads said. | Screencap via Twitter/@BNSFRailway

U.S. railways, workers reach tentative deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Reuters) — Major U.S. railroads and unions secured a tentative deal today after 20 hours of intense talks brokered by President Joe Biden’s administration to avert a rail shutdown that could have hit food and fuel supplies across the country and beyond. Biden called the deal a “big win for America” and for […] Read more

WP livestock report

Hogs The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was not available Sept. 9. U.S. hogs averaged $91.28 on a carcass basis Sept. 9, down from $97.68 Sept. 2. The U.S. pork cutout was $102.87 per hundredweight Sept. 9, up from $102.25 Sept. 2. The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter to Sept. 10 was […] Read more

Canfax report

This cattle market information is selected from the weekly report from Canfax, a division of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. More market information, analysis and statistics are available by becoming a Canfax subscriber by calling 403-275-5110 or at www.canfax.ca. Fed prices steady Alberta direct cattle sales saw active trade last week, with average prices continuing steady […] Read more


Railroads including Union Pacific, Berkshire Hathaway's BNSF and Norfolk Southern have until a minute after midnight on Friday to reach tentative deals with three holdout unions representing about 60,000 workers before a work stoppage affecting freight and Amtrak passenger rail service could begin. | Screencap via Twitter/@nscorp

Biden administration races to avert rail shutdown; smaller union rejects deal

DETROIT/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) — Biden administration officials, racing to avert a potential rail shutdown that could disrupt cargo shipments and impede food and fuel supplies, hosted labuor contract talks today as one of the smaller unions involved in the dispute rejected a deal. Railroads including Union Pacific, Berkshire Hathaway’s BNSF and Norfolk Southern have until […] Read more

The European Union's nitrogen fertilizer output is being slashed by an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 tonnes per month, according to an Argus Media analysis. It started with shutdowns in Poland but has since spread across the region as companies such as Achema, Yara and Borealis shutter their plants. | Screencap via yara.com

Europe slashes fertilizer production

Carnage in Europe’s nitrogen fertilizer market is exacerbating the run-up in North American prices but that could change in a heartbeat, says an analyst. “Buckle up for the ride,” said Josh Linville, analyst with StoneX. “I hate to say it, but I think volatility is here to stay for the foreseeable future.” The European Union’s […] Read more